Female Economic Empowerment

Sophia du Plessis.

Successful economic development depends on the development of the right political and economic institutions. The related research suggests that when it comes to ensuring that positive effects of economic growth in turn enhance female empowerment, a crucial ingredient is most likely the nature of political institutions and the direct role women play in them. There is, however, very little empirical research pertaining directly to women’s role in traditional political institutions in developing countries, and this research is very incomplete when it comes to thinking about Africa. The aim of this project is to collect systematic data on the variation in female political representation over time across all African countries.

Funding: James Robinson (Chicago)